Category: Eating Disorder

Eating Disorders in the Asian American Population

by Madison

Four years ago, a feeding tube was carefully threaded through my nose, esophagus, and stomach to deliver 26 vital nutrients. At the same time, my mind wrestled with feelings of betrayal from the attending physicians.

Seen as a last-resort medical intervention, this feeding tube was an attempt to sustain my failing body. My stomach rumbled.

For 25 years, my eating disorder (ED) symptoms raged, leading to this first inpatient stay. I was battling a psychological disorder that had taken over my mind and body, manifesting in an obsession with food, weight, and body image—disrupting my daily life and … Read more...

Loss of My Son Hits Me Differently Each Passing Year

by Tamara Harvey Braswell

On July 22, 2016, my son Logan crashed his truck into a tree and died from his injuries in intensive care.  Each year, the grief hits me in different ways. 

This year, the guilt hit me like a freight train.  Logan had his share of challenges, including debilitating anxiety and a horrific eating disorder. 

I desperately tried to get him the right treatment. Some of it worked and some of it didn’t.  In the midst of his struggles, he got into a car crash.  He didn’t get another chance to work through his pain. 

In year … Read more...

Emotionally Naked Love Story Audio is posted

Take it with you on your walk and listen to how these two found each other on Emotionally Naked, then found love and hope after loss.

An Emotionally Naked Love Story
… Read more...

Soul Sisters – Losing my friend to an eating disorder

by Jessica Lucas

Jessica Lucas

It was the day of the Leeza talk show taping. The topic: eating disorders. I walked into the Hollywood studio prepared to talk about the one thing that tormented and tortured me every day, anorexia, and I had never felt so overwhelmed, frightened, and alone – even as I was surrounded by hundreds of studio audience members.

“No one understands. No one gets it. No one can relate. No one will care. I’ll sound crazy. I’m not sick enough. I’m not smart enough. I’m not articulate enough. I’m not thin enough. I won’t make any … Read more...

Yoga therapy for eating disorders

by Evelyn Zak

Yoga therapy is being recognized as a beneficial adjunct in many comprehensive eating disorder recovery programs. Treatment centers realize yoga’s multiple benefits and offer regular group or individual sessions as part of their protocol. Yoga can be safely practiced by everyone provided it is taught by a seasoned instructor – it is always a practice

What Is Yoga?

It is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline developed in India that is not a religion. Therapeutic instruction considers each individual’s abilities, their trauma-sensitivity, and may be offered in an individual session. Comprehensive instruction will also include breathing exercises … Read more...

I’m a recovered anorexic perfectionist

by Christina Tinker

So many people say “I hate public speaking “Aren’t you scared when you get up in front of a group to speak?” they ask.   And very honestly, I used to say, “NO! I love it!” And to some extent this is true. But it’s only half the story.

It was spring of 2015, when, with just a handful of family in the audience, I stood on a stage in a beautiful new theater just off the Riverwalk in San Antonio, and told 250 strangers… my deepest, darkest secret.
The room echoed with silence as I stepped up … Read more...

What it’s like to have an eating disorder

By Evelyn

I’ve always struggled to explain what it’s like to have an eating disorder.  Words never seem to do justice to the torment and havoc eating disorders wreak in a person’s mind and belief-system.

Years ago, in the midst of a 10-year battle with an eating disorder, I wrote this as an attempt to explain my twisted, inner reality. It’s my hope, sharing it now, that it will help friends and family, of those suffering from eating disorders, better understand the inner turmoil.

It’s a blessing to be able to say that this isn’t my reality anymore

To any … Read more...

What is an eating disorder from two people who’ve suffered ED

Kendall Baker recently wrote an article that inspired questions about what an eating disorder is. It’s a difficult disorder to understand and challenging from the standpoint that with other “addiction” type mental illnesses because you can’t abstain from food. One has to eat to survive. Michelle posted a question and these two young ladies answered it.

From Carly

My name is Carly and I’ve been in recovery from an eating disorder for almost 6 years now. I struggled with anorexia as well and still have a difficult time explaining it.

It’s almost as if there is another person in your … Read more...

My best friend died of anorexia

by Kendall Baker

Content warning: Strong Emotional Content.  

My best friend died of anorexia
My best friend died of anorexia

I kissed the top of her head and walked toward the door.  I paused.  I knew this was it.  I turned around to look at her and try to memorize her image, an image I barely recognized due to her physical state.  

“I’ll see you later,” I said. “I will.”

Katie smiled a forced smile and nodded.  She knew what I meant.

I let the door close behind me.  I was twenty nine and she thirty, but I knew that was the last time I’d … Read more...

Putting my life back together after my best friend’s suicide

best friend died by suicide
Emilianna and her best friend

by Emilianna Burtrum

If had to choose a phrase that encapsulates my story and the pain and suffering I’ve experienced, it would be: “collateral beauty.”

Several years ago, I lost my best friend and roommate to suicide. It turned my world upside down.

There are no words to explain the devastating grief that washes over you after a complex loss like suicide; it’s as unpredictable and as relentless as waves crashing over the seashore. I wrestled with the never-ending questions and the monstrous-of-all questions, “why?” my best friend killed herself. Time and time again, … Read more...

Speaking out takes courage. Tell your story in the comments

We need to share our stories about addiction, mental illness, grief overdose and suicide. We must talk about our family’s pain as it relates to the illness of addiction and mental illness because it’s a family issue.

The stories shared with me to post here on emotionally naked this past two weeks have been amazing. I had some prior to that that I included on this page.

You think no one cares or wants to listen?

You’d be wrong.

Visitation to the site has quadrupled lately and we will soon reach 200,000 people reached since Feb 2016. People are interested. And … Read more...

Evil E.D. held my son hostage

by Tamara Harvey Braswell

The Woodlake Turkey Trot was in honor of Logan Neal. November 19, 2016, 9:00am-11:30am.

It’s name is Evil ED. ED stands for Eating Disorder.

I declared war on Evil ED shortly before my son Logan turned 16. The disease crept up on him subtly and gradually until it had a death hold on his brain.

Evil ED does not discriminate. It’s an equal opportunity life destroyer. The common myth is only young females have eating disorders. Not true.

Evil ED’s victims are girls, women, boys and men. They are all races. They are high school … Read more...

A story of hope: I never thought I would be alive to see graduation

by Carly Stansfield

Carly Stansfield 18 years old
Carly Stansfield 18 years old

If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be fighter. Throughout my whole journey I have had to fight day in and day out to find happiness. I have had to fight for the one thing I have always wanted the most, full recovery.

For those who don’t know me, here is my story

I’ve always had insecurities and struggles–the biggest was separation anxiety from my mom.

In elementary school, I remember running to my mom who worked at the school, and clinging to her as my teacher pulled me off. I know now … Read more...